The Prime Minister admits the government knew some ineligible people would receive the $350 cost of living payment.
The first instalment of $116 will be paid today to tax residents who earned less than 70-thousand dollars last year.
The National Party says some New Zealanders living overseas have also been told they qualify.
Ardern told Morning Report that is the case but says the 'vast majority' of recipients meet the criteria.
She said the Government moved quickly to implement the payments that were announced in the May budget.
